The Fifth International Conference on Vetiver (ICV5) 28-30 October, 2011 Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) Post- CIMAP, Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, Lucknow 226 015, India VETIVER - THE “KATARAGHAS” COULD EMERGE AS A MULTIFARIOUS TOOL FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN FLOOD PRONE AREAS OF NORTH BIHAR, INDIA. V.Jha1, A.B.Verma2, Rajeev Kumar1 & Manishankar Jha3 !! Dept. of Botany, L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga !! M.L.S.M. College, Darbhanga-846004, Bihar, India,
[email protected] !! Marwari College, Darbhanga-846004, Bihar, India !! MARD Course, IGNOU Study Centre, C.M. College, Darbhanga, Bihar, India !! Keywords:- Kataraghas, Sikki handicraft, Land conservation, Rural upliftment ABSTRACT Mithila area in north Bihar is known as the land of high floods, perennial rivers and a good no. of natural and man-made water bodies. “Kataraghas” (Vetiveria zizanioides) growing luxuriantly in these flood plains acts as a major carbon sink on account of its extensive growth through seed propagation. This grass is intimately associated with the cultural practices in the area. An old practice related with vetiver is its use as point of demarcation of local plots and serves as a tool of arbitration in case of land feuds. The grass is formally revered along with cow dung and mud casts as a sequel to the worship of Sun God and also an ancient land conservation practice. It is also associated with Sama-Chakeba festival held during the Kartik month. Fine vetiver stalks form a basis of Sikki cottage industry which has since emerged as a tool of women’s empowerment. Sikki handicraft symbolizes the folk art in Mithila and women Sikki artists have been honored with national awards.